- Mark Seven is on a quest to rediscover "real" house music. His vehicle for these endeavours is his own Parkwest label, younger sibling to Parkway Records, which has recently put the Swedish-based, British-born artist back on the music-making map. While Parkway deals more in Seven's signature '80s-inspired electronic disco, Parkwest is for the old school house heads. After Japanese producer Librah set the ball rolling in emphatic style with the sensuous "2BWU," the baton passes here to mysterious newcomers Apartment 4/4.
Easing us in is "The Isms." A calming spoken-word vox preaches peace over a melange of strings and delicate, barely audible keys, all carried along by a sturdy but gentle groove. A sharp, springy set of synths raises energy levels a couple of notches, but hardly enough to detract from its misty, laid-back saunter. B-side "City Dreems" is much livelier, coming across with all the charm of prime-time Mood II Swing or Kerri Chandler, with swinging percussion fusing with nostalgic summer pads. The jazzy horn solo, however, feels fresh and personal, adding an irresistible touch to this balmy revivalist house cut.
Tracklist A The Isms
B City Dreams